Dear Neighbors, Tomorrow at 5 p.m. is the deadline for healthcare workers, educators, retail, food service workers and more to apply for a bonus for work during the height of the pandemic. Money set aside for this program will be split equally among all approved applicants. Encourage any frontline workers you know to apply by 5 p.m. Friday, July 22 and spread the word to friends and family.  Honored to Serve as your State RepresentativeI am honored to bring your voice to the Capitol and represent your priorities. July 22 marks the 60-day deadline from the end of the legislative session and after tomorrow, state law prohibits me from reaching out to constituents individually through e-updates. This law is designed to keep our elections fair and competitive by ensuring incumbent candidates don’t use official resources for an advantage in the months leading up to an election. I can continue to help with the state-level problems and to discuss important issues in our community, so if you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to email me at rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn. Rally to Protect Minnesota’s Abortion AccessFollowing the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling, Minnesota will still play an important role in providing safe and legal abortion care to women in this state and those traveling from neighboring states. Last week, a state court ruling struck down many of Minnesota’s abortion restrictions, including the 24 hour abortion waiting period. The district court held these unnecessary restrictions violated the rights provided in the Minnesota Constitution. Women facing a difficult decision about their own healthcare shouldn’t have to struggle to get the care they need. On Sunday I stood with thousands of Minnesotans at the March for Abortion Access. There was so much love and community at the march and as a member of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, I’ll continue working with supporters and advocates to protect and expand reproductive healthcare in our state.  COVID-19 UpdateEvery home in the U.S. is now eligible to order free at-home COVID-19 tests. Click here to place your order. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). More COVID-19 updates are available through the Minnesota Department of Health website, or the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). Thank you for the privilege of serving you at the State House. Sincerely, Andrew Carlson State Representative |